Minor Traveling abroad HELP!!

OK, so we leave tomorrow morning, Yay! My mom is flying with Rafael's 16 year old son on a different flight. It just occured to me that there is documentation necessary to allow him to travel abroad with a non-parent. Indeed, we must have an Affidavit of Parental Consent for Travel outside the US of a Minor Child. It must be signed by both parents in the presence of a notary.

His mom lives in AZ, we live in California. Do we have any hope of getting this together?

(1) see if it is acceptable to have two separate Affidavits (both notarized). It may be possible perhaps if they reference each other. Assuming you need original documents, you could have the mom's courier to you express overnight.

(2) have the mom attend a Notary ASAP to sign an Affidavit, courier it over night to your Notary - and have your FI sign it there.

Thanks Jennette! Yeah, that's kindof the thought process I was on. What's really frusterating is that the airline says no such document is required to board the plane...they don't make any mention of the document at all, even when asked explicitly. On the other hand, the US Dept of State website says the following: "notarized consent from parent(s) required for children under age 18 traveling alone, with one parent or in someone else's custody."

Yeah - I did a quick search, there isn't a tone of info on the US travel requirements, but one website I did find mentioned that you could be asked for it both when you leave the US and when you enter a new country.

It may come to naught - but I would recommend seeing if you could get it done - if so great - your prepared. But if it doesn't happen in time - I guess all you can do is carry on as per usual. One good thing is that he is not under 14 - if so I think you would have more of a chance to be harrassed about it.

Hey Christa, Jenette has already given you the advice I was coming back to post. I also did a quick search and although it doesn't look like a huge deal in the US, it is for Mexico. I also remember a friend telling me when she went to Cancun a couple years ago and brought her daughter's friend that they had to have documentation faxed to them in Mexico regarding the parent's affidavid to allow their daughter to travel. So, I do think you need it. Good luck.

Yeah, I saw the same stuff...of course HE DOESN'T BELIEVE ME!~!! I also just got of the phone with the US Dept of State...yup, they highly reccomend having that notarized consent. They say that the customs agent in Mexico may ask for it....

I'm pretty sure if by some amazing fete we get this done, nobody will want to see it...but if we don't they will.

Why don't you put the steps in motion to get the original Affidavit. After you have the mom sign it - have her Notary fax it to you before it is couriered. That way - at minimum you will have an Affidavit, with her notarized signature and your FI's signature (notarized or not). At least it will be something Also - are you sure you need it notarized? or would just having a witness suffice?

Everything I'm reading tells me it needs to be notarized. However, there are notaries everywhere- in places you wouldn't even think of. Where does the ex work? Could there be a notary at her workplace? And Rafael as well?

Thanks Sarah. I've got the form, the prob is getting it signed & notarized & in hand in time for the flight tomorrow.

As we speak, FI is awaiting a call back from his ex. At the very least, he needs to fill out the form & have it notarized & get her to do the same & fax it. We totally don't have time to get her original. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

I swear, I just want to kill FI right now! How could he noth have thought of this & taken care of it?? I am so angry and sad and frustrated right now!!

thanks for all the support & help ladies. How could I think things could be calm, cool & collected at this point? Oh yeah, cuz i'm organized & on top of MY STUFF!